gwai2 gam2鬼咁
Jyutpinggwai2 gam2
Yalegwái gám
Definition
Very; extremely; an adverb used to exaggerate the intensity of a state.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This intensifier adds a sense of exasperation or emphasis that goes beyond a standard adjective. It is often used to express a strong opinion about a situation, implying that the degree of the quality described is excessive or surprising. While it literally references ghosts, it functions purely as a colloquial way to say very or extremely.
Examples
The weather is so hot today, I want to drink soda.
Why are you coming home so late?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal writing or professional settings as it is strictly colloquial. It is also generally reserved for describing negative or frustrating situations rather than positive ones.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
